Intro | When to Go | Weather | Time of Day | Where to Fish

Weather
During the heavy runs I look for weather and water conditions that discourage other anglers from fishing. Except for a few drainages in the Great Lakes, moderate to heavy rains bring tributary water levels up and stain the water, sometimes rendering the rivers and streams unfishable for days. When the water begins receding and visibility reaches a foot or two, some of the best fishing of the year can occur, and I am constantly in search for these conditions during the fall and spring. When they exist, I drop everything and get to the river.

I try to time my outings for the leading edge of clearing water conditions. Not only does this result in some exciting fishing, but it usually keeps me one step ahead of the fishing pressure.

In addition to flexibility, an intimate knowledge of your favorite piece of water is critical. Learn to gauge at what height your favorite rivers are fishable and how long they take to clear a given amount of rain or snow melt. Understanding the water you fish gives you an advantage. I am discovering the learning process is never ending.

Steelhead follow the path of least resistance, and if you have the opportunity to observe the route steelhead take in your favorite stream, take advantage of it. When the water is high and stained they often travel within a few feet of their low-water route because the currents and soft spots remain the same along the stream bottom. If you know these routes, you can avoid wasting time blind casting. It's also not a bad idea to do a little pre-season scouting on your favorite stream. River structure changes drastically through the year and a good pool one year may be filled with gravel the next.

The ground's saturation level also impacts how quickly water recedes. The drier the ground, the more rain and melting snow it absorbs. This leaves less runoff running into the tributaries allowing them to recede quickly. The exception is during the fall when leaves blanket the ground and hinder it from absorbing water.

Also consider fishing when the water is still high and somewhat dirty. Steelhead take flies in water that has only a few inches of visibility. The key is finding a piece of water in a swollen river where fish are resting. Look for any soft current on the inside of a seam or up along a bank. Steelhead sometimes feel comfortable in shallow water under such conditions, so don't be surprised if you find fish in some unusual spots.

In dirty water I use big, dark flies that cast a solid silhouette. Most anglers are intimidated by dirty water, but these conditions are often a good match for searching with a wet-fly swing, and finding plenty of water for yourself takes little effort.

I avoid pleasant, sunny weather when possible because that typically brings out the most anglers, even during off-peak times. Inclement days always reduce the amount of fishing pressure. My most satisfying trips are when I battle a handful of fish while withstanding all that Mother Nature throws my way. Sometimes this approach backfires. If the water becomes muddy and rises quickly from heavy rains, steelhead activity shuts down. Steelhead are also less aggressive on a falling barometer, and fishing is usually better when it is stable or rising.